Data-recording apparatus

ABSTRACT

A clock operable to produce clock pulses and a plurality of counters are provided, also a plurality of pulse lines, each of which extends from said clock to one of said counters and is adapted to transmit clock pulses from said clock to said counter. A plurality of code carriers are provided, each of which is associated with one of said counters. The code carriers are provided with different codes. A plurality of code detectors are provided, each of which is associated with one of said code carriers and one of said counters and adapted to removably receive the associated code carrier in a control position and arranged to reject code carriers other than the associated one. At least one of said code carriers is in said control position in the associated code detector. Each of said code detectors comprises contacts included in the pulse line leading from the clock to the associated counter. Said contacts are operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines in response to a movement of the associated code carrier to said control position.

Unite States Haller atent [is] 3,644,71 l

Feb. 22, 1972 [30] Foreign Application Priority Data Oct. 18, 1969Germany ..P 19 52 659.1

[52] [1.8. CI. ..235/6l.1, 235/92 PD [5 1] Int. Cl ..G06k 7/04, G06k9/16 [58] Field of Search ..235/92, 104,61.7 D,61.8 R, 235/619, 61.1;346/52, 53, 80,93, 340/309.l,347

3,341,852 9/1967 Krameretal ..346/53 Primary Examiner-Maynard R. WilburAssistant Examiner-William W. Cochran Attorney-Spencer & Kaye [57]ABSTRACT A clock operable to produce clock pulses and a plurality ofcounters are provided, also a plurality of pulse lines, each of whichextends from said clock to one of said counters and is adapted totransmit clock pulses from said clock to said counter. A plurality ofcode carriers are provided, each of which is associated with one of saidcounters. The code carriers are provided with different codes. Aplurality of code detectors are provided, each of which is associatedwith one of said code carriers and one of said counters and adapted toremovably receive the associated code carrier in a control position andarranged to reject code carriers other than the associated one. At leastone of said code carriers is in said control position in the associatedcode detector. Each of said code detectors comprises contacts includedin the pulse line leading from the clock to the associated counter. Saidcontacts are operable to control the transmission of pulses in saidlines in :72 response to a'movement of the associated code carrier tosaid a son control osition. 3,443,459 6/1969 Margolis 235/92 r p3,221,150 ll/l965 Goodwin ..235/92 T 31 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures POWERPACK I 2 CLOCK c005 05750701? 71 I Y i i Liar] comma MODULEL 3 LL LJ JPULSE COUNTER A I .L, 1 BISTABLE l CIRCUIT I Hg. 72 l INTER/P064 T/NG 2UNIT was 25 26 CONVERTER DIGITAL stock i 24 2:? g;

INTERRGGdT/MF PATENTEUFEB22 m2 SHEET 1 BF 7 CLOCK PULSE cow/rm POWERPACK con/rkoL mouu:

Fig. 3!) PM W W M IAN Euro Willi Holler M i %&

ATTORNEYS PATENTEBFEBZZ m2 3. 644, 711

SHEETEUFT Mrs/via? Willi Heller ATTORNEYS PATENTHJFEB22 I972 13. 644. 711 sum 3 0r 7 7 2322 9a 70 I0 )2 1a lure/wok Willi Holler ATTORNEYSPATENTEmwzz I972 3. 644. 71 l SHEET 0F 7 llvrnvrap Willi HollerATTORNEYS Ma ta/r01? Willi Holler Wife c ATTORNEYS PATENTEDFEHZZ m2 v3,644.71 1

' SHEET 5 OF 7 Y E(4 A? A? 7 73a 20 I7 is )2 INVENOP Willl HollerATTORNEYS PAIENTEBmzz m SHEET 7 BF 7 POWER PACK 7 0005 I DETECTOR :0 fra. T I v 4 f I i 4 t r:% 1 0 :0- 'IoT :Zj'] cawmoL l -1 1 v MODULE 3 w oo P o 1 PULSE I l cou/vrm 5 6 5 A la. la IM/ 40/ I -L, 2;- 21' 2f 27 J?BISTABLE CIRCUIT I I Fig. I2

I F /NTERROGAT/NG F 22 UNIT c005 25 26 cowl 50157? v D/G/TAL v CONTROL lu/wr w m/rmRoaAr/w TAPE puwcn Mrs/woe Willi Holler ATTORNEYSDATA-RECORDING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This inventionrelates to data-recording apparatus in which a counter and a codedetector are provided for each person or item.

The provision of such associated counters and code detectors is knownfor a recording of working hours. The present invention relates to animprovement of such data-recording apparatus particularly for use inconnection with so-called sliding working hour schemes, which areincreasingly adopted in recent times. In accordance with such schemes,each employee can freely select the times when he begins and terminateshis days work or his lunch time, provided that certain rules imposed bythe organization are complied with. For instance, persons who get upearly or persons who like to work at night can better adjust theirworking hours to the rhythm of their personal activity. Besides, rushhours are less pronounced in traffic as well as in cafeterias andrestaurants. For instance, normal working hours may begin at 8 hours inthe morning but it may be possible to work from 6.30 so that there is asliding time of 1% hours at the beginning of the day. Normal workinghours may end at 16 hours whereas the sliding time may last until 17.30There should be no telephone calls during the sliding time so that thework will not be disturbed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The data-recording apparatus according to theinvention, in which apparatus a counter and a code detector areassociated with each person or item, is characterized in that the pulselines leading from the built-in clock to the individual counters areadapted to be connected by means of respective code carriers, preferablyby a slip-in card having coded or decimal edge notches, and a codedetector having built-in contacts and adapted to receive said slip-incards. The hours to be worked are recorded by a time meter. Eachemployee has a coded slipin card. A time meter is provided for eachemployee and arranged to be operated when the coded card is slipped in.The slip-in card may be issued by the employer as an identity card andmay be provided with a photograph of the employee. When the employeebegins to work, he inserts the slip-in card into the time meter so thatthe latter is connected to the minutes clock. A graphic schedule may beprovided to indicate the normal number of working hours to be performedper day so that the counter will indicate at any time whether anemployee has worked overtime or has to make up working hours.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further details of the invention willnow be described with reference to the drawing, in which FIG. i is ablock circuit diagram illustrating datarecording apparatus according tothe invention,

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a part of data-recording apparatusaccording to the invention,

FIG. 3a is a top plan view showing an associated identity card or codecard.

FIG. 3b is a central cross-sectional view of the code card taken alongline 3b-3b in FIG. 30.

FIGS. 4 to 11 are longitudinal sectional views and top plan viewsshowing code detectors containing a code card, and

F IG. 12 is a block circuit diagram illustrating another datarecordingapparatus according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The data-recording apparatuswhich is represented by the block diagram of FIG. 1 comprises thefollowing main elements: Power pack I, clock 2 and control module 3. Theelements 1, 2, 3 together with plug-in code detectors 4 and pulsecounters 5 may be accommodated in one or more housings 6, as is shown inFIG. 2. The basic equipment is designed for use with a relatively largenumber of code detectors 4 and pulse counters 5 and these elements 4 and5 may require a plurality of housings for accommodation. To facilitatethe servicing of the apparatus, the clock 2 and the control module 3 mayalso be plugged; this is not apparent from the drawing. The controlmodule 3 consists of relay-diode circuits leading to each code detector4 and arranged to energize the power pack when the first code card 7 isinserted and to deenergize the power pack when the last code card iswithdrawn.

The mode of operation is as follows: By means of the power pack 1, aclock 2 is operated in synchronism with the power supply system. Theclock pulses delivered by the clock 2 are counted by pulse counters 5when code cards 7 have been inserted into the code detectors 4associated with respective pulse counters 5. A monostable switch isprovided in the code detector 4 and causes a signal lamp 8 to indicatethat the pulse line is connected to the associated pulse counter 5 whenthe code card 7 has been inserted. In another embodiment, a bistableswitch may be provided to establish the connection when the card isfirst inserted and to maintain the connection until the card isreinserted. In that case, the signal lamp 8 may also be provided toindicate whether or not the connection has been established. Each codedetector 4 may have a signal output 4a for connection to other units.

As is also apparent from FIGS. 3 to 7, the switch incorporated in thecode detector 4 is operated by a code card 7, which is provided withedge notches 7a, as is shown in FIG. 3. The leading edge of the cardshown by way of example is formed with notches 7a, which correspond tothe associated code detector 4. Coding plates 10 are provided inregister with the edge notches 7a so that the proper association isensured and an intentional or unintentional operation of an impropercounter is prevented. The code detector 4 and the card 7 may be providedwith numbers indicated at 11 to facilitate the selection of the codedetector which is proper for a given card, see FIG. 5. The forwardportion of the code card 7 is provided with a space 7b for receiving anidentification carrier, which may consist of a picture or a numberplate. It is apparent from FIGS. 4 and 6 that the housing 13 of eachcode detector 4 contains a slipped-in support 12 for various components.The housing 13 is provided with an opening 13a for receiving the codecard 7, plug-in terminal pins 14, frames for holding sliponidentification plates 15, and a signal lamp 16. A guide for the codecard 7 is provided between the support 12 and the housing 13. The codecard 7 is provided with a wedge-shaped portion 7c, which can operate theswitch plunger 9a when, and only when, the code card 7 is fully insertedinto said guide.

Another embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11 enables an indirect switchactuation in that a plurality of spring-biased sliders 17 arelongitudinally slidable to release a bent element 18, which causes theswitch 19 to be opened under the action of a biasing spring. This willbe enabled only when all sliders 17 have been shifted because thecorrect code card has been inserted. The code detector is coded in thatcode plates 20 are inserted in register with certain ones of the sliders17 so that the latter are held in the release position to which theyhave been shifted. The code card 7 can be inserted only if its edgeslots 7a are in register with the code plates 20 which have beenprovided. The code card operates the remaining sliders 17 as it isinserted.

The code detector 4 serves to connect the associated pulse counter 5 tothe pulse line when the proper code card 7 has been inserted so that thepulse counter then counts clock pulses to record the time which isworked by the bearer of the code card. The counter sums up said timeduring an accounting period. FIG. 12 shows that the code detector 4 hasa signal output 4a for a simultaneous recording of said data in anotherdata carrier, such as a punched tape or the like, which can be evaluatedin an electronic data-processing plant. By means of said signal output,a bistable circuit 21 is set whenever the code card 7 is inserted intoor withdrawn from the code detector 4.

The interrogating unit 22 detects set bistable circuits 21 and by meansof the control unit 23 starts the interrogating unit 24. A connection isestablished from each bistable circuit 21 to the code converter 25 andto the interrogating unit 22 to provide addresses for the bistablecircuits 21. These addresses are coded for use in the interrogating unit24. The interrogating unit 24 receives these addresses as well as thetime data delivered by the associated digital clock 26 and routes theseaddresses and time data into the tape punch 27. The addresses oridentification numbers of the set bistable circuits 21 and the time whenthe work has begun or terminated are punched in coded form into the tape28, which constitutes a second data carrier permitting an accounting,e.g., of the total working hours by means ofa computer, in addition tothe recording by the time meters 5. When these data have been recordedin the punched tape 28, the previously set bistable circuit 21 is reset.

The apparatus may be provided with an emergency power supply, known perse, so that the time-recording operation may be continued withoutinterruption when the required voltage is not supplied to the power packby the power supply system.

What is claimed is:

1. Data-recording apparatus, which comprises a clock operable to produceclock pulses,

a plurality of counters,

a plurality of pulse lines, each of which extends from said clock to oneof said counters'and is adapted to transmit clock pulses from said clockto said counter,

a plurality of code carriers, each of which is associated with one ofsaid counters, said code carriers being provided with different codes,and

a plurality of code detectors, each of which is associated with one ofsaid code carriers and one of said counters and adapted to removablyreceive the associated code carrier in a control position and arrangedto reject code carriers other than the associated one, at least one ofsaid code carriers being in said control position in the associated codedetector,

each of said code detectors comprising contacts included in the pulseline leading from the clock to the associated counter, said contactsbeing operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines inresponse to a movement of the associated code carrier to said controlposition.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said codecarriers is associated with a person.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said codecarriers is related to an item.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said code carriers areslip-in cards having a notched edge representing said code.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, in which each of said codedetectors is provided with stops adapted to cooperate with said notchededge to permit a movement of the associated slip-in card to said controlposition and to reject slipin cards other than the associate one.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, in which said stops consist ofremovable code plates adapted to represent a selected code.

7. Apparatus as set forth in claim 4, in which said notched edgerepresents a decimal code.

8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said contacts formnormally open switches arranged to be closed by the movement of saidcode carriers to said control position and to open when said codecarriers are removed from said control position.

9. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said contacts formbistable switches arranged to be alternately opened and closed inresponse to successive movements of said code carriers to said controlposition and to remain open and closed, respectively, when said codecarriers are removed from said control position.

10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said codedetectors comprises a signal output arranged to indicate the conditionof said contacts.

11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9, in which said signal outputcomprises a signal lamp.

12. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, in which said signal output isconnected to a parallel switch.

13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, in which a datarecording unit isconnected to said signal output.

14. Apparatus as set forth in claim 13, in which said datarecording unitcomprises a tape punch.

15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said codecarriers has an identification portion carrying visual information andarranged to protrude from said code detector when said code carrier isin said control position.

16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, in which said visual informationis a picture.

17. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, in which said visual informationis a name.

18. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, in which said visual informationis a number.

19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said codedetectors is connected by said pulse line to a pair of parallelcounters.

20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 19, in which each of said pairs ofcounters comprises a first counter disposed near said code detector anda second counter disposed remote from said code detector in a centralstation.

21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, which comprises a switch operableby a key to reset said counters to zero.

22. Data-recording apparatus, which comprises a clock operable toproduce clock pulses,

a plurality of counters,

a plurality of pulse lines, each of which extends from said clock to oneof said counters and is adapted to transmit clock pulses from said clockto said counter,

a plurality of code carriers, each of which is associated with one ofsaid counters, said code carriers being provided with different codes,

a plurality of code detectors, each of which is associated with one ofsaid code carriers and one of said counters and adapted to removablyreceive the associated code carrier in a control position and arrangedto reject code carriers other than the associated one, at least one ofsaid code carriers being in said control position in the associated codedetector,

each of said code detectors comprising contacts included in the pulseline leading from the clock to the associated counter, said contactsbeing operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines inresponse to a movement of the associated code carrier to said controlposition,

a power pack, and

a plurality of relay-diode circuits, each of which is connected to oneof said code detectors, and

control means for energizing said clock and power pack when, and onlywhen said contacts of at least one of said code detectors are closed,said control means comprising a plurality of relay-diode circuits, eachof which is connected to one of said code detectors.

23. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which at least part of saidcode detectors and counters are removably mounted.

24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, which comprises additional pulselines connected to said clock and terminating in terminal means adaptedto be connected to additional ones of said counters and associated codedetectors.

25. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, which comprises a power pack, anamplifier, and a program clock.

26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said counters areadapted to be reset to zero and accommodated in lockable housing means.

27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said clock isincorporated in a program clock system having energy storage meansproviding for a reserve motion, said system being adapted to initiateand terminate the operation of the ap paratus in accordance with aprogram.

28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said counters and codedetectors are plugged units.

29. Data-recording apparatus, which comprises a clock operable toproduce clock pulses,

'a plurality of code detectors, each of which is associated with one ofsaid code carriers and one of said counters and adapted to removablyreceive the associated code carrier in a control position and arrangedto reject code carriers other than the associated one, at least one ofsaid code carriers being in said control position in the associated codedetector,

each of said code detectors comprising contacts included in the pulseline leading from the clock to the associated counter, said contactsbeing operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines inresponse to a movement of the associated code carrier to said controlposition, and a signal output arranged to indicate the condition of saidcontacts,

a data-recording unit connected to said signal output, saiddata-recording unit connected to said signal output, said data-recordingunit comprising a tape punch,

a plurality of bistable circuits, each of which is connected to one ofsaid signal outputs and arranged to assume a set condition in responseto the movement of the associated code carrier to said control position,and

an interrogating circuit operable to detect the condition of saidbistable circuits and in response to the detection of the set conditionof a given bistable circuit to initiate the operation of the associatedtape punch and to reset said given bistable circuit.

30. Data-recording apparatus, which comprises a clock operable toproduce clock pulses,

a plurality of counters,

a plurality of pulse lines, each of which extends from said clock to oneof said counters and is adapted to transmit clock pulses from said clockto said counter,

a plurality of code carriers, each of which is associated with one ofsaid counters, said code carriers being provided with different codes,

a plurality of code detectors, each of which is associated with one ofsaid code carriers and one of said counters and adapted to removablyreceive the associated code carrier in a control position and arrangedto reject code carriers other than the associated one, at least one ofsaid code carriers being in said control position in the associated codedetector,

each of said code detectors comprising contacts included in the pulseline leading from the clock to the associated counter, said contactsbeing operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines inresponse to a movement of the associated code carrier to said controlposition, and a signal output arranged to indicate the condition of saidcontacts, and

a data-recording unit connected to said signal output, saiddata-recording unit comprises a tape punch, said punch being operable topunch data representing a number associated with said code carrier, thetime when the code carrier was moved to said control position in theassociated code detector, and an indication whether this time is thebeginning or end of a period.

31. Apparatus as set forth in claim 22, in which said control meansconsists of a control module and said clock and said control module areplugged units.

1. Data-recording apparatus, which comprises a clock operable to produceclock pulses, a plurality of counters, a plurality of pulse lines, eachof which extends from said clock to one of said counters and is adaptedto transmit clock pulses from said clock to said counter, a plurality ofcode carriers, each of which is associated with one of said counters,said code carriers being provided with different codes, and a pluralityof code detectors, each of which is associated with one of said codecarriers and one of said counters and adapted to removably receive theassociated code carrier in a control position and arranged to rejectcode carriers other than the associated one, at least one of said codecarriers being in said control position in the associated code detector,each of said code detectors comprising contacts included in the pulseline leading from the clock to the associateD counter, said contactsbeing operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines inresponse to a movement of the associated code carrier to said controlposition.
 2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of saidcode carriers is associated with a person.
 3. Apparatus as set forth inclaim 1, in which each of said code carriers is related to an item. 4.Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said code carriers areslip-in cards having a notched edge representing said code.
 5. Apparatusas set forth in claim 4, in which each of said code detectors isprovided with stops adapted to cooperate with said notched edge topermit a movement of the associated slip-in card to said controlposition and to reject slip-in cards other than the associate one. 6.Apparatus as set forth in claim 5, in which said stops consist ofremovable code plates adapted to represent a selected code.
 7. Apparatusas set forth in claim 4, in which said notched edge represents a decimalcode.
 8. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said contacts formnormally open switches arranged to be closed by the movement of saidcode carriers to said control position and to open when said codecarriers are removed from said control position.
 9. Apparatus as setforth in claim 1, in which said contacts form bistable switches arrangedto be alternately opened and closed in response to successive movementsof said code carriers to said control position and to remain open andclosed, respectively, when said code carriers are removed from saidcontrol position.
 10. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which eachof said code detectors comprises a signal output arranged to indicatethe condition of said contacts.
 11. Apparatus as set forth in claim 9,in which said signal output comprises a signal lamp.
 12. Apparatus asset forth in claim 10, in which said signal output is connected to aparallel switch.
 13. Apparatus as set forth in claim 10, in which adata-recording unit is connected to said signal output.
 14. Apparatus asset forth in claim 13, in which said data-recording unit comprises atape punch.
 15. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of saidcode carriers has an identification portion carrying visual informationand arranged to protrude from said code detector when said code carrieris in said control position.
 16. Apparatus as set forth in claim 15, inwhich said visual information is a picture.
 17. Apparatus as set forthin claim 15, in which said visual information is a name.
 18. Apparatusas set forth in claim 15, in which said visual information is a number.19. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which each of said codedetectors is connected by said pulse line to a pair of parallelcounters.
 20. Apparatus as set forth in claim 19, in which each of saidpairs of counters comprises a first counter disposed near said codedetector and a second counter disposed remote from said code detector ina central station.
 21. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, whichcomprises a switch operable by a key to reset said counters to zero. 22.Data-recording apparatus, which comprises a clock operable to produceclock pulses, a plurality of counters, a plurality of pulse lines, eachof which extends from said clock to one of said counters and is adaptedto transmit clock pulses from said clock to said counter, a plurality ofcode carriers, each of which is associated with one of said counters,said code carriers being provided with different codes, a plurality ofcode detectors, each of which is associated with one of said codecarriers and one of said counters and adapted to removably receive theassociated code carrier in a control position and arranged to rejectcode carriers other than the associated one, at least one of said codecarriers being in said control position in the associated code detector,each of said code detectors comprising contacts included in the pulselIne leading from the clock to the associated counter, said contactsbeing operable to control the transmission of pulses in said lines inresponse to a movement of the associated code carrier to said controlposition, a power pack, and a plurality of relay-diode circuits, each ofwhich is connected to one of said code detectors, and control means forenergizing said clock and power pack when, and only when said contactsof at least one of said code detectors are closed, said control meanscomprising a plurality of relay-diode circuits, each of which isconnected to one of said code detectors.
 23. Apparatus as set forth inclaim 1, in which at least part of said code detectors and counters areremovably mounted.
 24. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, whichcomprises additional pulse lines connected to said clock and terminatingin terminal means adapted to be connected to additional ones of saidcounters and associated code detectors.
 25. Apparatus as set forth inclaim 1, which comprises a power pack, an amplifier, and a programclock.
 26. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said counters areadapted to be reset to zero and accommodated in lockable housing means.27. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said clock isincorporated in a program clock system having energy storage meansproviding for a reserve motion, said system being adapted to initiateand terminate the operation of the apparatus in accordance with aprogram.
 28. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, in which said countersand code detectors are plugged units.
 29. Data-recording apparatus,which comprises a clock operable to produce clock pulses, a plurality ofcounters, a plurality of pulse lines, each of which extends from saidclock to one of said counters and is adapted to transmit clock pulsesfrom said clock to said counter, a plurality of code carriers, each ofwhich is associated with one of said counters, said code carriers beingprovided with different codes, a plurality of code detectors, each ofwhich is associated with one of said code carriers and one of saidcounters and adapted to removably receive the associated code carrier ina control position and arranged to reject code carriers other than theassociated one, at least one of said code carriers being in said controlposition in the associated code detector, each of said code detectorscomprising contacts included in the pulse line leading from the clock tothe associated counter, said contacts being operable to control thetransmission of pulses in said lines in response to a movement of theassociated code carrier to said control position, and a signal outputarranged to indicate the condition of said contacts, a data-recordingunit connected to said signal output, said data-recording unit connectedto said signal output, said data-recording unit comprising a tape punch,a plurality of bistable circuits, each of which is connected to one ofsaid signal outputs and arranged to assume a set condition in responseto the movement of the associated code carrier to said control position,and an interrogating circuit operable to detect the condition of saidbistable circuits and in response to the detection of the set conditionof a given bistable circuit to initiate the operation of the associatedtape punch and to reset said given bistable circuit.
 30. Data-recordingapparatus, which comprises a clock operable to produce clock pulses, aplurality of counters, a plurality of pulse lines, each of which extendsfrom said clock to one of said counters and is adapted to transmit clockpulses from said clock to said counter, a plurality of code carriers,each of which is associated with one of said counters, said codecarriers being provided with different codes, a plurality of codedetectors, each of which is associated with one of said code carriersand one of said counters and adapted to removably receive the associatedcode carrier in a control position and arranged to reject code carriersother than the associated one, at least one of said code carriers beingin said control position in the associated code detector, each of saidcode detectors comprising contacts included in the pulse line leadingfrom the clock to the associated counter, said contacts being operableto control the transmission of pulses in said lines in response to amovement of the associated code carrier to said control position, and asignal output arranged to indicate the condition of said contacts, and adata-recording unit connected to said signal output, said data-recordingunit comprises a tape punch, said punch being operable to punch datarepresenting a number associated with said code carrier, the time whenthe code carrier was moved to said control position in the associatedcode detector, and an indication whether this time is the beginning orend of a period.
 31. Apparatus as set forth in claim 22, in which saidcontrol means consists of a control module and said clock and saidcontrol module are plugged units.